Alpha-interferon therapy induces improvement of platelet counts in children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/oncology
H DonatoP Rendo

Abstract

To investigate alpha-interferon (IFN) therapy for children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Patients with refractory ITP lasting more than 12 months from diagnosis were included if they had platelet counts <50 x 10(9)/L and had received no treatment during the past month. Patients received IFN (3 x 10(6) U/m2 per dose), three times per week for 4 weeks; if partial (<150 x 10(9)/L) or no response was obtained, the same dose was continued for another 8 weeks. In patients with favorable response and subsequent decrease to pre-treatment values, an additional 4 weeks of treatment could be administered. Fourteen patients (ages 4-20 y) receiving 17 IFN courses were included. Mean initial platelet count was 29 +/- 15 x 10(9)/L. A significant increase was achieved during 14 of 17 courses (82.4%). All but two responses were transitory, and platelets returned to initial values after IFN discontinuation (mean 44 +/- 26 days). Considering the best response achieved by each patient, we observed: 1) 10 patients who achieved a sustained improvement of platelet count throughout the treatment period, decreasing to initial values after therapy was stopped; 2) one patient who achieved platelet count >150 x 10(9)/L, remaining...Continue Reading

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Citations

Mar 7, 2003·Journal of Pediatric Hematology/oncology·James A Williams, Laurence A Boxer
Apr 8, 2016·Blood·Adam Cuker, Cindy E Neunert
Aug 26, 2006·Pediatric Blood & Cancer·Hugo DonatoJuan Jose Di Santo
Sep 8, 2004·Drug Safety : an International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Drug Experience·Peter RieckmannEnrica Alteri

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